Nikon D7000 Review

This long overdue review of the Nikon D7000 is based on my 3+ month experience with multiple samples of the camera. Due to my busy schedule and a very high demand on the D7000, I was not able to obtain a copy earlier to test. I actually thought it was a good thing to wait, because I did not want to get one from the initial production (which seemed to be rushed, resulting in lots of bad samples out there). Ever since the Nikon D7000 was released, I have been getting many questions from current and potential buyers, asking about backfocus issues, overexposed images, bad video quality, autofocus problems, image quality at low and high ISOs and hot pixels. For this review, I made a note to myself to test the camera against each of the listed potential problems and report on my findings.

1) Nikon D7000 Specifications

Main Features:

1. High Resolution 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor
2. High Speed 6 frames per second continuous shooting up to 100 shots
3. 2,016-pixel RGB (3D Color Matrix) sensor
4. Pentaprism Optical Viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.94x magnification
5. Twin SD Card Slots with SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card compatibility
6. Built-in Speedlight flash with i-TTL and Wireless Commander support
7. Optional MB-D11 multi-power pack
8. Two User Definable Settings (U1, U2) on the Mode Selector Dial
9. Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape Picture Controls
10. Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator
11. Full 1080p HD Movie capability with Full Time Autofocus and external stereo microphone jack (up to 20 minutes of recording time)
12. Dynamic ISO range from 100 to 6400 expandable to 25,600 (Hi2)
13. Customizable 39 point AF System with nine center cross-type sensors
14. Magnesium-alloy top/rear covers and weather and dust sealing
15. 150,000 cycle-rated shutter system
16. 3 Inch, 921,000-dot Super-Density LCD Monitor with 170 degree viewing
17. Fast Start-Up time of 0.13 sec and 50ms Shutter Lag
18. Compact EN-EL15 Battery (850+ shots)
19. Built-in HDMI Connection
20. Active D-Lighting for enhancing details in shadows and highlights
21. Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait Scene Modes

Detailed technical specifications for the Nikon D7000 are available on Nikonusa.com.